Skill, Safety, Success: The TTC Legacy In Nigeria’s Energy Sector
By NINI NDUONOFIT-AKOH
Three Decades of Skill, Safety, and Sustainability in Nigeria’s Energy Sector
From Humble Beginnings to a Global Model
THIRTY years ago, a modest office at the Qua Iboe Terminal in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, gave birth to an experiment in technical training. Few imagined that this initiative—now the Technical Training Centre (TTC) of NNPC/Seplat JV—would grow into a world-class incubator for energy sector talent.
Today, the TTC stands as a symbol of operational excellence, producing over 850 technicians who have risen to leadership positions across Nigeria and beyond. It is a tangible demonstration of how sustained investment in human capital can shape both industry and community.
Milestones Worth Celebrating
The TTC’s 30th anniversary coincided with the graduation of Apprentice Group 13 and the achievement of two million incident-free man-hours in offshore operations. Each milestone reflects a dual commitment: developing highly skilled personnel while prioritising safety in an industry where errors can be catastrophic.
John Itsueli, General Manager of Joint Venture Operations, said, “This milestone reflects the discipline, teamwork, and shared responsibility that underpin everything we do.”
The significance is clear: technical training and safety culture are inseparable pillars of operational excellence.
Building a Workforce for the Energy Transition
Seplat Energy CEO, Roger Brown, emphasized that the TTC’s founding vision—training local talent—remains central to Nigeria’s energy future. By equipping technicians with international certifications and hands-on skills, the centre prepares them for emerging demands, from process operations to renewable energy integration.
Brown highlighted, “Internationally certified technicians, globally competitive skills, and a robust professional community—these are the results of thirty years of deliberate investment.”
Partnerships That Deliver Impact
The success of TTC is rooted in collaboration. The partnership between NNPC Limited, Seplat Energy, and host communities has enabled the centre to evolve its curriculum, integrate modern technologies, and ensure sustainable impact.
Brown noted, “The results we celebrate today reflect the power of collaboration between NNPC Seplat JV, community, and state.” This triad of corporate, institutional, and community engagement has proven essential for long-term skills development.
Youth Empowerment and Social Responsibility
Beyond operational achievements, the TTC embodies Seplat’s commitment to youth empowerment and economic inclusion. Vocational training, scholarships, and capacity-building initiatives have created pathways for Niger Delta youth to access decent work, enhancing both social and economic outcomes.
Positioning Nigeria for the Future
As Nigeria navigates global energy transitions, the TTC demonstrates that long-term investment in people is as critical as infrastructure and technology. From gas processing to digital operations, the nation’s ability to compete depends on the skills developed today.
The graduates of Group 13 are proof that disciplined training, mentorship, and opportunity can transform lives, communities, and the energy industry at large.
